Weston Park Primary School in Southampton is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s transformation and rated it ‘good’ for the first time in its history.

The school became a sponsored academy in August 2017 and under new leadership it began a large-scale school improvement plan with the support of Hamwic Education Trust. Previously the school was rated ‘requires improvement’ and it had also been in special measures.

Last month, Ofsted inspectors saw for themselves that life at Weston Park Primary has improved a great deal since their last visit, citing that the ‘pupils are much happier at school’. They recognised that pupil behaviour has ‘changed dramatically’ saying ‘pupils behave very well. They know what the rules are, and they follow them’ and they ‘respect their teacher and each other’.

The report also highlights the ‘consistent and high-quality delivery of the curriculum’ and that ‘teachers have absolute clarity about how to build pupils’ knowledge and skills’. It also recognised how ‘pupils learn in a calm and organised way’ and are ‘focused on their learning’ and that they ‘work well with their fellow pupils, showing kindness and care.’

Staff at Weston Park wholeheartedly committed to the school’s improvement journey and they are overjoyed with the result – some have worked there for nearly 20 years, able to really see how much the school has changed for the better.

“I could not be prouder of the staff team,” said James Wiltshire, Headteacher of Weston Park Primary School. “We collectively agreed that we want to offer endless opportunities to children. Three years ago, we chose class names based on famous people who, throughout history, have changed hearts, minds and lives. I believe, alongside our community, our governors and our wider leadership team provided through Hamwic Education Trust, our staff have done that for our children too.”

Bob Farmer, CEO at Hamwic Education Trust said: “I’m delighted that Weston Park Primary School has achieved its first ‘good’ rating. It’s a miraculous achievement and testament to the sheer determination and collaborative working among school staff, governors and the Trust. Everyone has worked together as one team to raise expectations at Weston Park. I’m pleased for the community and excited about the school’s future.”